Buzzing with life: Kinigi gears up for two decades of Kwita Izina

The foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi are abuzz with activity as the final preparations for Kwita Izina 2025 slated for Friday, September 5 take shape. Tents gleam in the morning light, perfectly aligned along freshly cleared paths. Every seat is arranged, the stage set, and subtle touches, from decor, to mats, and signage, are carefully adjusted to ensure a flawless setting. Less than 24hrs to the main day, the air here carries the faint scent of damp earth and greenery, a reminder of the mountains surrounding this vibrant scene. All around, performers rehearse, their rhythms and songs weaving into the natural sounds of the hills. Villagers and volunteers move with purpose, checking details, fine-tuning the spaces where visitors will gather. There’s a palpable energy, a mix of anticipation and meticulous focus, as every element comes together for the 20th edition of Rwanda’s iconic Gorilla Naming Ceremony. In Musanze town and Kinigi itself, shops and homes bustle with activity, and the excitement is contagious. It is that time of the year: Kwita Izina, the iconic Gorilla Naming Ceremony, is around the corner. This year’s edition carries special significance because it marks 20 years of celebrating Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, conservation, and community engagement. A town transformed Kinigi is unrecognisable from its usual calm. Roads that usually see the slow flow of local traffic are now abuzz with preparation crews, officials, and volunteers moving in a carefully choreographed rhythm. ALSO READ: Kwita Izina: 40 gorilla babies to be named this year Children peer curiously from the roadside, their eyes wide with anticipation. The atmosphere is one of expectation and pride, as locals and visitors alike prepare for the historic event. For the past month, the Mashirika group, tasked with organising the event’s venue, has been working tirelessly. Simon Rwema, who oversees the setup, explains, “We are at 98 percent readiness. The remaining two percent is just final touches, that is the canopy installations, name mats for the ceremony. We want everything perfect so that when visitors arrive, they experience a smart, seamless event.” Two decades of celebration Kwita Izina 2025 is more than a ceremony. It is a celebration of 20 years of conservation success. Since 2005, nearly 400 baby gorillas have been named, and this year, 40 babies, including 18 born in 2024, will receive their names. The event has grown into a global symbol of Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its mountain gorillas and supporting the communities that live alongside them. As one of the people involved in the organisation, Rwema emphasises the importance of the milestone, which is aligned with the way the stage is set. “This two-decade celebration is special. We are not only naming baby gorillas, but also showcasing Rwanda to the world. The park has put the country on the map. Visitors, both local and international, will be seated under tents, sheltered from the sun and rain, and served the same high-quality experience as VIP guests. It’s a celebration for everyone.” Behind the scenes: The making of Kwita Izina The preparation is meticulous. Every detail is considered: seating arrangements, stage design, and entertainment logistics. Volunteers and performers rehearse tirelessly. The local youth, many of whom have been part of previous ceremonies, are central to bringing the event to life. Clementine Umuhire, known by the stage name “Clemy Umuana”, a local artiste from Musanze, shared her excitement upon being given a chance to perform. “This is my first time performing at Kwita Izina. It means a lot that local artists from Musanze are being recognised. We’ve rehearsed our songs, practiced our dances, and prepared to entertain visitors and dignitaries alike. It’s a moment of pride for us, and we are ready to showcase the spirit of our community.” ALSO READ: PSG legend Javier Pastore set for Kwita Izina ceremony Eric Manizabayo, a member of the Morale Boosters group from Musanze, adds, “As youth volunteers, we play a role in organising and performing. This ceremony connects us to Rwanda’s heritage and our natural treasures. Every year we participate, we train, rehearse, and celebrate the gorillas and the communities. This year, everything feels elevated—we have tents, uniforms, and coordinated performances. It’s smart, modern, and vibrant.” The pulse of Kinigi Walking through Kinigi, the vibrancy is undeniable. Businesses, road crews, and volunteers move in harmony. The stage area is a hive of activity: flowers, banners, and lighting rigs are being carefully positioned. Everywhere you look, people are smiling, greeting old friends, and sharing in the collective excitement. It is a scene of celebration and pride, a vivid testament to the country’s commitment to conservation. Entertainment and cultural showcase While the main entertainment headliners will be revealed on the day of the event, the preparation hints at a rich blend of cultural performances. Traditional dancers, community troupes, and youth groups will perform alongside professional musicians, creating a dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity. The performances are more than entertainment; they tell a story of Rwanda’s culture, community resilience, and conservation journey. ALSO READ: Kwita Izina20: Evolution of country’s tourism sector through a Rwandan's eye Details about the main entertainment headliners remain under wraps. Christian Rudahinyuka from RDB/SPIU, who is in charge of entertainment for the ceremony, confirmed that the performers will be officially announced at the venue on Kwita Izina day itself. Celebrating conservation and community Kwita Izina is not just about naming gorillas; it is about celebrating the harmony between humans and nature. The ceremony underscores the success of Rwanda’s community-cantered conservation model. Mountain gorilla populations in the Virunga Massif have grown from 880 in 2012 to over 1,063 today, a testament to the impact of protection efforts and local involvement. The Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme ensures that communities benefit directly. Schools, clinics, roads, and clean water initiatives have all been supported by tourism income. The event is a reminder that conservation is as much about people as it is about wildlife. The Kinigi Horticulture Hub: A community legacy On August 29, the Kinigi Horticulture Hub was inaugurated. This initiative supports communities relocated due to Volcanoes National Park restoration projects. The hub offers alternative livelihoods, helping ensure that conservation and community development go hand in hand. It is a practical example of how Kwita Izina’s legacy extends beyond the celebration itself, creating lasting benefits for local populations. A celebration in anticipation As September 5 approaches, Kinigi hums with anticipation. Volunteers make final adjustments, performers rehearse, and local officials oversee last-minute preparations. The town embodies a unique blend of tradition, pride, and forward-looking optimism. Children watch rehearsals with wide eyes, adults discuss the intricate details of the setup, and international visitors begin to arrive, eager to witness the historic two-decade celebration. ALSO READ: Kwita Izina: What gorilla namers said about Rwanda Kwita Izina 2025 is a celebration of heritage, conservation, and community. For two decades, Rwanda has named its baby gorillas, drawing global attention to its remarkable mountain gorilla population and pioneering conservation efforts. This year’s milestone event, marked by meticulous preparation, vibrant cultural performances, and a focus on community empowerment, reaffirms Rwanda’s role as a leader in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. From the bustling streets of Kinigi to the heart of Volcanoes National Park, the energy is infectious. As tents are erected, flowers arranged, and performances perfected, the foothills of the Virunga Massif are ready to welcome the world. The stage is set, the performers are ready, and the community stands proud. Two decades of Kwita Izina have led to this moment of an extraordinary celebration of life, conservation, and Rwanda itself.

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Buzzing with life: Kinigi gears up for two decades of Kwita Izina